PH Studio Aniya vs. Huano Caramel Latte
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Huano Caramel Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the PH Studio Aniya and the Huano Caramel Latte offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The Aniya, produced by BSUN, is celebrated for its harmonious sound profile, striking a balance between pleasant audibility and a smooth, almost creamy feel thanks to its Ly stem material. This creates a typing experience that's not only enjoyable but also offers a medium-light actuation that enhances ease of use. In contrast, the Huano Caramel Latte presents a bright, clacky sound profile accompanied by a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, making each keystroke feel incredibly smooth and satisfying. While the Aniya may appeal to those who appreciate a more polished sound with a hint of resonance, the Caramel Latte is perfect for users who prefer a bit more auditory feedback with their typing. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits, but let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the Huano Caramel Latte switches present an interesting contrast in their housing materials, particularly in their top housings. The Aniya features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is well-regarded for producing a unique sound profile that is predominantly deeper and relatively muted. This quality, combined with the smoother action of the POM material, creates a typing experience that is satisfying and pleasant. In contrast, the Caramel Latte utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, known for its excellent smoothness due to its low coefficient of friction and impressive durability. While both materials aim for a high-quality sound and feel, the Caramel Latte is geared towards delivering a clackier sound and enhanced experience due to its superior wear and shock resistance.
When examining the bottom housings, the Aniya again uses POM, which contributes to the characteristic sound profile noted in the top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Meanwhile, the Huano Caramel Latte employs a nylon bottom housing that is classic yet effective, as it absorbs sound through its softer composition. This results in a more muted and round sound when striking the switch. Although both switches aim for a pleasant auditory output, the Aniya’s dual-use of POM in both top and bottom housings may lead to a more cohesive audio experience, while the Caramel Latte's distinct separation of materials may enhance the contrast between the bottom-out and release sounds.
Overall, the differences in housing materials lead to distinct experiences when actuating each switch. The Aniya's uniform use of POM provides consistent sound qualities throughout, ensuring a harmonious feel from press to release. In contrast, the Caramel Latte’s combination of POK and nylon allows for a split role where the top housing prioritizes smoothness and sound clarity, while the bottom housing contributes to a rounder auditory result. If ultimately aiming for similar results, one could find a balance between the deeper tones of the Aniya and the clackiness of the Caramel Latte by adjusting key presses and typing styles to maximize the unique characteristics that each material brings to the switch design.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch present distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying preferences for typing experience. The Aniya switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing and gaming sessions due to its ease of key activation. In contrast, the Caramel Latte switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some typists may prefer for a satisfying keystroke. Thus, while the Aniya is the lighter option, the Caramel Latte provides a medium-light resistance, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer press. Overall, those seeking a lighter touch for longer use should lean towards the Aniya, while those looking for a stronger push feel might find the Caramel Latte more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Aniya switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Caramel Latte features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that, for users who favor a quicker response time, the Aniya switch would be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gaming and fast-paced tasks. On the other hand, for individuals who appreciate a more traditional feel with added depth in their key presses, the Caramel Latte switch, with its longer travel distance, would offer a more substantial experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Aniya has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aniya for $4.20.
The Huano Caramel Latte has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Caramel Latte for $2.75.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch stands out with a bright, clacky sound profile that is crisp and engaging without being overly loud. This higher-pitched quality provides a pleasant auditory experience, making every keystroke feel lively. The sound is also characterized as resonant, contributing to an immersive typing experience. In contrast, while the Huano Caramel Latte is noted for its bright and clacky sound profile as well, specific descriptors and details about its sound characteristics are not provided. However, it can be inferred that the Caramel Latte's sound profile may offer a similar lively auditory experience, as both switches share a penchant for a clacky character.
In terms of feel, the Aniya excels with a remarkably smooth typing experience often described as creamy, polished, and silky. The use of Ly as the stem material, combined with factory lubing, results in an effortlessly smooth keypress that feels luxurious to the touch. The Aniya has a medium-light actuation, adding to its delightful typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no detailed information available about the feel of the Caramel Latte switches, so it's unclear how they compare in terms of smoothness and overall typing pleasure. However, since both switches are linear and designed for a smooth experience, users can expect a generally satisfying feel from the Caramel Latte as well.
In conclusion, both the PH Studio Aniya and Huano Caramel Latte linear switches present qualities that appeal to enthusiasts looking for a smooth and engaging typing experience. While the Aniya offers well-defined characteristics in both sound and feel, the Caramel Latte also seems promising, particularly in sound, though specific details about its feel are unknown. Newcomers can anticipate a lively auditory experience with both switches, while the Aniya will provide a more refined tactile sensation. Overall, opting for either switch should yield enjoyable results, but those seeking a truly luxurious experience may gravitate more toward the Aniya.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics. If you favor a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 50 grams and appreciate a smooth, creamy typing experience complemented by a pronounced yet pleasant clacky sound, then the Aniya switch could be your ideal choice. Its harmonious balance in sound profile and luxurious feel make it a delightful option for those who type for extended periods or enjoy a tactile auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a slightly more substantial bottom-out force of 55 grams without sacrificing smoothness while still enjoying a bright, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte switch would suit you well. Its medium-light weight is perfect for those who want a bit more resistance, providing an excellent typing experience without feeling overly heavy. Ultimately, your choice should align with what feels most comfortable and enjoyable during your daily typing tasks, whether you lean towards the airy smoothness of the Aniya or the satisfying feedback of the Caramel Latte.
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